A Busy Day at Pacific-Street Wharf -- August 5, 2019

San Francisco Call, 03-April-1899

This drawing is from the 03-April-1899 San Francisco Call. William A Coulter did many maritime drawings for the newspaper. The old liner SS Arizona was being converted into the USAT (US Army Transport) Hancock.  In 1902, she transferred to the Navy and became the USS Hancock.  As a San Francisco pedant, I should note that it is Pacific Avenue, not Pacific Street.  

"The Marine Firemen's Union is making another attempt to get rid of the Chinese employed on the United States transport Hancock (late Arizona). With this end in view the union has interested the California delegation to Congress and a hard fight Is to be made to get white firemen work on United States vessels. The association made the attempt some time ago. but failed, because at that time Uncle Sam did not own the vessel. The facts of the case have been wired to the Secretary of War and it is hoped that the Chinese will be replaced by white men before the Hancock sails."